Luxury Peru Holidays
High altitude, history and mystery. High altitude, history and mystery.
Why Peru?
Wondrous Machu Picchu is just one of Peru’s many remarkable sites. This is a land of rich history – where ancient civilisations and dramatic mountain ranges unfurl for incredible adventures and cultural connections.
As soon as you arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant coastal capital, you’ll feel the culmination of cultures. There’s palpable influence from pre-Lima indigenous groups, the 16th-century Spanish Conquistadors who founded the city and the constant evolution of a bustling, modern-day metropolis. From here, one of our favourite ways to traverse Peru is by train. While the country’s mountainous landscapes – the Andean peaks in particular – will make you wonder how railway tracks are even possible, you’ll appreciate the masterful construction as your train carves its way through the countryside.
For Journeysmiths, our Peruvian highlights include Lake Titicaca – South America’s largest lake – the Amazon Rainforest, and the uniquely desert coastal region of Paracas. Experience a marine safari among humboldt penguins in the Ballestas Islands, spot pink river dolphins on a luxurious Amazon River cruise and watch condors soar in the Colca Valley. And, we haven’t yet mentioned Machu Picchu, the spectacular Incan citadel, perched high in the Andean mountains.
As soon as you arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant coastal capital, you’ll feel the culmination of cultures. There’s palpable influence from pre-Lima indigenous groups, the 16th-century Spanish Conquistadors who founded the city and the constant evolution of a bustling, modern-day metropolis. From here, one of our favourite ways to traverse Peru is by train. While the country’s mountainous landscapes – the Andean peaks in particular – will make you wonder how railway tracks are even possible, you’ll appreciate the masterful construction as your train carves its way through the countryside.
For Journeysmiths, our Peruvian highlights include Lake Titicaca – South America’s largest lake – the Amazon Rainforest, and the uniquely desert coastal region of Paracas. Experience a marine safari among humboldt penguins in the Ballestas Islands, spot pink river dolphins on a luxurious Amazon River cruise and watch condors soar in the Colca Valley. And, we haven’t yet mentioned Machu Picchu, the spectacular Incan citadel, perched high in the Andean mountains.
- Ancient cultural sites among high mountains and vast deserts.
- Exciting capital city filled with awe-inspiring architecture.
- Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and the Amazon for culture and natural beauty.
- Historic blend of Incan and Spanish culture in Cusco.
- Breath-taking railway journeys.
- Range of exclusive accommodations.
Luxury travel experiences you won't find anywhere else
Curate Your Exclusive Holiday to Peru
Peru Locations
Amazon
The incredible Amazon rainforest covers 60% of Peru, yet the country holds just 13% of the total Amazon. This expansive, lush rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Arequipa is one of Peru’s largest and most exciting cities. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, creating a must-see blend of heritage buildings and lively modern culture.
Cusco
Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Today, its centuries-old archaeological and architectural heritage is recognised by UNESCO and serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
Lake Titicaca
Sitting at 3,812 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. Take a boat ride across this incredible expanse of freshwater, exploring some of the natural and man-made islands along the way.
Lima
Lima is Peru’s capital and largest city, with a vibrant port overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find a melting pot of architecture here, from modern design to Spanish colonial and beyond.
Ica, Paracas and Nazca
This eclectic region is host to a variety of fascinating cultural cornerstones, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing towns and dramatic landscapes from coastline to desert.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Inhabited some 1,000 years ago, the Urubamba Valley, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, follows the Urubamba River 100 kilometres from the Inca ruins of Pisac to the incomparable Machu Picchu.
We Are Hooked
Jackie
USA
"The logistics worked at every stage, the food was fabulous and the wildlife was a privilege to watch.
We are hooked and already planning our next safari - Paul will be on speed dial!"
We are hooked and already planning our next safari - Paul will be on speed dial!"
Top 10 Peru Experiences
Home to grand peaks of the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and holding the secrets to the lives of the ancient Inca civilisation, Peru is a country of incredible history, fascinating wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes. To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.Home to grand peaks of the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and holding the secrets to the lives of the ancient Inca civilisation, Peru is a country of incredible history, fascinating wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes.
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.
1. Step Aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer
One of the world’s highest and most luxurious trains, the Andean Explorer promises a sleeper train journey like no other.
The train itself is ornate, sophisticated and tastefully decorated, so beautiful, in fact, that people often remark that it’s hard to believe they’re even on a train. Wide windows adorn the carriages, allowing you to take in the views of Peru’s mountainous landscape. Snaking through the Andean highlands, you’ll enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort, service and dine like royalty in the train’s restaurant.
The train itself is ornate, sophisticated and tastefully decorated, so beautiful, in fact, that people often remark that it’s hard to believe they’re even on a train. Wide windows adorn the carriages, allowing you to take in the views of Peru’s mountainous landscape. Snaking through the Andean highlands, you’ll enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort, service and dine like royalty in the train’s restaurant.
2. KM104 Hike to Machu Picchu
Hiking the Inca Trail is a bucket list experience. If you have the time and the inclination, you can enjoy a multi day trek through the high Andes to Machu Picchu. For those who prefer a shorter hike, starting at KM104 is ideal.
Boarding the early morning train to Aguas Calientes, you will disembark with your private guide at KM104 and spend the day hiking to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The hike will take between five and eight hours and your reward for those efforts - the most mesmerising views down over the 500-year-old Incan architecture of Machu Picchu.
Boarding the early morning train to Aguas Calientes, you will disembark with your private guide at KM104 and spend the day hiking to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The hike will take between five and eight hours and your reward for those efforts - the most mesmerising views down over the 500-year-old Incan architecture of Machu Picchu.
3. Chinchero Ruins and Sunday Market
If you want to experience authentic Peruivian culture, then the market town of Chinchero is ideal.
Much of the Chinchero archaeological site is now beneath a colonial church, however, agricultural terraces remain and your private guide will divulge all we know about what the Incas originally built here. The market is full of local people selling beautiful, vibrant hand woven textiles, as well as bread, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables - this isn’t just a place for the tourists.
Much of the Chinchero archaeological site is now beneath a colonial church, however, agricultural terraces remain and your private guide will divulge all we know about what the Incas originally built here. The market is full of local people selling beautiful, vibrant hand woven textiles, as well as bread, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables - this isn’t just a place for the tourists.
4. Climb Huayna Picchu
After your private tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu, enjoy a different perspective of the Incan citadel by climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Machu Picchu, walk to Huayna Picchu, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the valleys and mountains around them. Although not very difficult, the walk to Huayna Picchu is steep at several points. The climb takes roughly two hours, and once there, you will have a birds eye view of the Incas' lost metropolis.
Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Machu Picchu, walk to Huayna Picchu, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the valleys and mountains around them. Although not very difficult, the walk to Huayna Picchu is steep at several points. The climb takes roughly two hours, and once there, you will have a birds eye view of the Incas' lost metropolis.
5. White Water Rafting on the Urubamba River
Thrill-seekers, you need look no further for a Peruvian activity to get your adrenalin pumping. The Urubamba River flows through the Sacred Valley and is perfect for a white water rafting trip alongside some spectacular scenery.
As you enjoy tackling class II - IV rapids, your raft bobbing up and down through the water, you’re flanked by Peru’s signature majestic hillsides. Of course, you’ll stop for an al fresco lunch to refuel too.
As you enjoy tackling class II - IV rapids, your raft bobbing up and down through the water, you’re flanked by Peru’s signature majestic hillsides. Of course, you’ll stop for an al fresco lunch to refuel too.
6. Visit the Floating Islands of Uros at Lake Titicaca
Hundreds of years ago, the Uros people, an indigenous Peruvian community, built floating islets from totora reeds in an effort to protect themselves from Inca attack. Today, the community continues to construct and live on these man-made islands in Lake Titicaca.
Hop on a boat and visit for a couple of hours, or, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the Uru culture, we can arrange for you to stay with a local family, learning to fish with them and enjoying food together.
Hop on a boat and visit for a couple of hours, or, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the Uru culture, we can arrange for you to stay with a local family, learning to fish with them and enjoying food together.
7. Visit Awamaki Organisation in the Sacred Valley
As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we support Awamaki, a non-profit enterprise which creates various programmes that promote financial and educational independence for local women through the creation of heritage textiles.
You can see the organisation’s work first hand, learning more about local weaving and spinning, and even trying your hand at spinning on a drop spindle and weaving a bracelet. After spending time with the artisans, you can join them for a traditional lunch in their home and visit the textile markets nearby.
You can see the organisation’s work first hand, learning more about local weaving and spinning, and even trying your hand at spinning on a drop spindle and weaving a bracelet. After spending time with the artisans, you can join them for a traditional lunch in their home and visit the textile markets nearby.
8. See Condors Flying in the Thermal Air in the Colca Valley
Known as the King of the Andes, the Andean Condor has a wingspan of around 10 feet and is the largest flying bird in the world.
Watch as they spread their enormous wings, soaring through the air in search of food and effortlessly navigating the hot air that rises from the ground here. In order to preserve energy, the condor rarely flaps its wings and watching as they glide through the air before you is both beautiful and hypnotic.
Watch as they spread their enormous wings, soaring through the air in search of food and effortlessly navigating the hot air that rises from the ground here. In order to preserve energy, the condor rarely flaps its wings and watching as they glide through the air before you is both beautiful and hypnotic.
9. Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This trek packs an enormous amount of history into a four day trail through the Sacred Valley, culminating at Machu Picchu, the famed city of the Incas. This is a strenuous hike but with ruins, half a century old, along the way and surrounded by Andean peaks, it’s easy to enjoy for those with a good level of fitness.
When you arrive at Machu Picchu, unbelievably breath-taking whether shrouded in cloud or basking in the sunlight, you’re overwhelmed by its majesty. Finish with a tour of the site before taking some well-earned rest!
When you arrive at Machu Picchu, unbelievably breath-taking whether shrouded in cloud or basking in the sunlight, you’re overwhelmed by its majesty. Finish with a tour of the site before taking some well-earned rest!
10. A Luxury Northern Amazon River Cruise
Explore one of the world’s most famous rivers in the lap of luxury. In the morning, you’ll wake and watch through your cabin window as the sun shines over the glistening river.
Throughout the day you’ll enjoy excellent service and delicious cuisine interspersed with Amazonian exploration, before putting your feet up in your spacious cabin. Enjoy the adventure that cruising the Amazon brings: kayaking, night-safaris by boat, paddle-boarding, or disembarking and discovering the rainforest on foot, but without compromising on comfort.
Throughout the day you’ll enjoy excellent service and delicious cuisine interspersed with Amazonian exploration, before putting your feet up in your spacious cabin. Enjoy the adventure that cruising the Amazon brings: kayaking, night-safaris by boat, paddle-boarding, or disembarking and discovering the rainforest on foot, but without compromising on comfort.
Best Places to Stay in Peru
Cusco, Peru
Inkaterra La Casona
Inkaterra Las Casona is a 16th century colonial manor house, which was at one time used as an Inca army training facility. Every wall in the property is imbued with history, and it is without doubt one of the most fascinating, beautiful places to stay in Cusco.
Cusco, Peru
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
You won’t regret staying at the restored 17th century palace and convent of Belmond Palacio Nazarenas; its elegant cloistered courtyards seamlessly blend with modern luxuries such as Cusco’s first outdoor heated swimming pool.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Right at the foot of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge’s location could not be more perfect. The views are breathtaking, but it is the sense of history in this place which will really blow you away.
Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Sol y Luna
In the Sacred Valley, with the Andes Mountains dominating the skyline, the beautiful gardens of Sol y Luna exquisitely complement the hotel’s stone casitas (“little houses”). It’s a truly magical location; the backdrop is enhanced by the orientation of the terraces and the careful planting of indigenous flowers.
Lima, Peru
Hotel B
Lima’s Hotel B is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property in a fabulous belle epoque house built as a seaside retreat for the Peruvian elite.
Amazon, Peru
Aqua Nera
Since its maiden voyage in 2020, Aqua Nera has been setting the standard for river boat exploration in the Amazon region. With a maximum of 40 guests, looked after by 40 staff, you can expect an unforgettable experience that is both adventurous and relaxing in equal measure.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon, Peru
Cirqa, Arequipa
The boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city, just a block away from Arequipa's main square. This makes it a perfect place from which to explore the city’s Spanish-colonial architecture, spend lazy afternoons sampling its culinary delights and sipping pisco sour whilst people-watching at the plaza.
Lake Titicaca, Peru
Titilaka Hotel
Surrounded by the remote altiplano and an hour from any town, the Titilaka hotel is Relais & Chateaux property offering exceptional food and service in a stunning location.
Lima, Peru
Atemporal
This delightfully personal and intimate house is ideal for anyone who shrinks from the idea of mass tourism and who expects great service and the highest of standards. If elegance is your thing, then this is the place for you.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Sumaq Machu Picchu
At the steps of its namesake site, the five-star Sumaq Machu Picchu is ideally positioned for you to explore the wonders of the remarkable Inca citadel at your leisure.
Ica, Paracas and Nazca, Peru
Hotel Paracas
Facing Paracas National Reserve and with its own private pier from which you can take cruises to the Ballestas Islands, this hotel is far more than just a base for experiencing the Nazca Lines.
Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Explora Valle Sagrado
We love the stylish almost Scandinavian low-rise design of this lodge, with its wooden walkways and unvarnished wooden interiors. If you are the kind of guest motivated by excellent design and the chance to engage in an active holiday, this is the place for you.
Amazon, Peru
Delfin I
An expedition on Delfin I cannot be beaten for the luxurious and personal experience it gives of the mighty Amazon and its tributaries.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon, Peru
Belmond Las Casitas
The stunning Colca Canyon surrounds you as you take in the delights of the Belmond Las Casitas Arequipa. The 20 fairytale-worthy picturesque bungalows set in 20 acres blend into the striking landscape, and put you in the perfect location for contact with the local communities and exploring the unspoilt natural world.
Cusco, Peru
JW Marriot
With one of Cusco’s only swimming pools, and with an elegant and sophisticated style that is almost more museum or art gallery than hotel, the JW Marriot is one of the most desirable places to rest and reside in the capital city of the Inca Empire.
Lake Titicaca, Peru
Libertador Lago Titicaca
Libertador Lago Titicaca is your own private island, a world of its own at the end of Lake Titicaca. The moment you set sail from the pier, you will leave your cares on the shore and reconnect with yourself as you enjoy the peace and quiet.
Lima, Peru
Belmond Miraflores Park
Belmond Miraflores Park is a sanctuary in the capital, set in the midst of Lima’s trendiest area. Use it as your base for exploring the nearby museums, colonial buildings, and park, then retreat here to relax in sublime surroundings with sparkling views of the Pacific Ocean.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is in Aguas Calientes, the departure point for most trips to Machu Picchu.
Ica, Paracas and Nazca, Peru
Vinas Queirolo
Vinas Queirolo is a palace of a place, and the only hotel in Peru nestled in the heart of a vineyard. Wine lovers naturally will feel right at home, but we have also fallen in love with the scenery and the laidback lifestyle.
Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Tambo del Inka
Part of The Luxury Collection, the Tambo del Inka Resort and Spa is an impressive property with striking pavilion-like buildings inspired by the stone walls found at ancient Inca sites. Great effort has gone into making this the base camp of choice, in all senses, for Machu Picchu.
Amazon, Peru
Delfin III
The luxurious Delfin III explores the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve of Amazonian Peru.
Peru in Pictures
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View over Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes
View of Cusco, Peru
Macaws in the Peruvian Amazon
Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Amazonian Culture, Peru
Lake Titicaca, Peru
Sloth in the Peruvian Amazon
The white city of Arequipa, Peru
The Rainbow Mountains, Peru
Paracas National Reserve, Peru
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
Latest Articles from Peru
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Peru Family Holidays
If your young explorers are hungry for an adventure, look no further than Peru. The diverse landscapes range from the vibrant jungles of the Amazon Rainforest to the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. Needless to say, you’ll have the chance to experience the unique mountain top setting of mysterious Machu Picchu.
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The Wildlife Of Deepest Darkest Peru
What kind of creatures actually live in the Amazon Basin, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
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Top 10 Peru Activities
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.
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